Audi Q7

Our verdict

The Audi Q7 is the one Audi that shouts too loudly.

Comfort

Air suspension makes light work of most stuff, but the Q7’s body control does come with some downsides – it can be a bit firm on UK roads. The bonus for that extreme exterior size is a humongous interior – you won’t be left wanting for space. And it cruises sublimely. 

Performance

Three engines to choose from and all are brilliant. The 3.6-litre V6 has 276bhp, hits 62mph in 8.5 seconds and on to 143mph with 22.2mpg economy. The 4.2-litre V8 manages the same benchmark in 6.4 seconds and hits 146mph, and gets 25.4mpg. Pick of the bunch is the 3.0 TD diesel; that hits 62mpg in just over nine, 134mph and gets 27.2mpg. No dogs here, but the forthcoming 6.0-litre V12 diesel with 500bhp and 737lb ft should be fun. 

Cool

Only cool if you’ve recently won the Lottery. Even then not really. 

Quality

Generally good, though small niggles in the cabin you might notice over other Audi product. This car was made for America, where anything better than a 70s Chevy is deemed awesome. 

Handling

Remarkable for such a big car, the Q7 manages to hustle with the best of them thanks to adjustable air suspension as standard across the range. Still big though, and you never quite forget it. 

Practicality

This thing is massive, so no worries about space inside. The only thing is, it’s genuinely massive; it only fits in a standard British parking space if the wing mirrors are folded in, and even then you can’t get out of the damn thing. On a British country lane it feels enormous. Not for the nervous. 

Running costs

Diesel if you care about mpg, but all the engines are in high tax brackets. Residuals are good though.